Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center: A Desert Oasis for Nature Lovers

If you are looking for a place to enjoy the beauty and diversity of the Sonoran Desert, look no further than Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center.

This 20-acre sanctuary, donated by Mrs. Orpha Mason in 1998, is home to over 80 species of birds, as well as many other desert animals and plants. You can explore the half-mile loop trail that winds through a dense mix of native vegetation, including stately saguaros and ironwood trees. You can also watch the birds and other wildlife at the feeding and water stations, or admire the pollinator and habitat gardens that surround the facilities.

The Mason Center is not only a place to appreciate nature, but also to learn about sustainable living in the desert. The Center features solar cells, composting toilets, water harvesting structures, and other demonstrations of eco-friendly practices. You can also join educational programs, such as bird walks, botany walks, classes, and special events, that cover a range of natural history topics.

The Mason Center is located on the corner of Hardy and Thornydale near Marana and is open most weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm.
You can also schedule a visit for your group or school for a fee of $50/hour with a minimum of 2 hours.
On the weekend the site is open dawn to dusk. Please park on the road and enter through a small gate west of the parking lot gate.

To learn more about the Mason Center and its offerings, visit their website.

Additionally, the Tucson Audubon Center offers a variety of programs for anyone who loves birds from pro birders to people new to the hobby. Be sure to check out their website for more information.

For more about birding in Marana click here.